How to Raise a Bilingual Child & The Benefits of Learning a Second Language

For kids, there are many benefits of being bilingual—and it’s easier than you think, especially if you start when they are young.

By Amber Greviskes July 6, 2021

How difficult is it for kids to learn a new language?

Parents who are worried about the toll learning another language can take on children’s schedules shouldn’t fear. Many classes are offered weekly or several times per week. Classes are often more laidback than at traditional schools; children complete a variety of activities including singing songs, playing games, or making crafts to learn the language. Even if parents don’t understand the language, they can still help their children learn it, Chen says.

RELATED: The Benefits of a Bilingual, Immersion Education

“Chinese is not the easiest language to learn, and a little motivation goes a long way,” she adds. “Parents can also take Chinese with their kids and learn with them. This way, they can both practice it together at home. Many of our parents regret not having learned Mandarin at a younger age and don’t want their kids to go through the same thing.”

It’s more difficult to learn a language after age 12, but it’s not impossible. So while their children will pick up the new language first, parents shouldn’t be frustrated.

How can parents help kids learn another language?

Parents don’t necessarily have to learn another language for their children’s language acquisition to be successful. There are many programs, like Muzzy BBC, and kids can read books like Bob the Builder in French (Bob le Bricoleur) or Little Red Riding Hood (Cappuccetto Rosso) in Italian. There are also toys, games, and flashcards in different languages. If your child is enrolled in language classes, ask their teacher for recommendations. 

Older children who know the basics of a foreign language have more options for practicing speaking, reading, and writing. They can find a pen pal they would like to exchange emails with. Those who like computer and video games may choose to learn through those avenues. Plus, there are many language podcasts and apps available.

Here are some other suggestions from local experts for how parents can help their children learn a second language:

1. Buy music in the target foreign language.

By playing music in a foreign language on a regular basis, parents and children develop an ear for the language, helping with vocabulary recognition and aiding with the correct pronunciation of words and phrases. Soon, both of you will sing along! 

2. Attend classes with your children (and pay attention!).

When a child is enrolled in a toddler-age language educational play class, one of the biggest secrets to his or her success lies in the behavior of their caregiver, says François Thibaut, founder and director of Language Workshop for Children. “At the LWFC, we’ve noticed a tremendous correlation between a child’s accomplishments and the way their caregiver acts in class,” Thibaut says. Merrily prompt children to watch and listen to the teacher. React enthusiastically to new activities when they’re introduced, too.

3. Encourage relationships with native speakers.

Whether your children meet them at a local group, cultural institute, or school, relationships with native speakers are crucial to learning to speak a foreign language properly. Organize game nights with other speakers and only speak that language.

4. Label items in your house with the word in the target language.

Buy a pad of sticky notes and put them on items in your house in the target language as your child learns the associated vocabulary. “Be creative! If you don’t have a fish, let your child draw a goldfish bowl and label it ‘le poisson’ if your child is learning French,” suggests Shawn Scott, director of instruction, North America at Berlitz. “When your child opens the door, remind him or her that it is a ‘porta’ if he or she is studying Italian. When your child encounters the words on a daily basis, he or she is much more likely to remember them.”

5. Celebrate the culture and heritage of native speakers.

Prepare a dinner with cuisine from a country that speaks the language. Try participating in a cultural event or festival, like Cinco de Mayo or Lunar New Year. Such immersion activities that are not focused on rote learning make adopting the language more exciting, less like a chore.